Venezuela faced a disappointing 7-5 defeat against the Dominican Republic in a match that showcased the Dominican team's power-hitting, with home runs from stars like Fernando Tatis Jr. and Juan Soto. The Venezuelan offense struggled, leaving nine runners on base and failing to capitalize on scoring opportunities. The game, held at the loanDepot park, was marked by electric moments from the Dominican hitters, which overshadowed Venezuela's performance.

However, the harshest criticism directed at the Venezuelan team centered around manager Omar López's decision-making. Fans and commentators took to social media to express their bewilderment over Suárez, who had recently achieved a historic season with 49 home runs in MLB, not being used in critical moments of the game. As Venezuela was trailing with the bases loaded in the ninth inning, many were left questioning how López could leave such a powerful hitter on the bench during a pivotal juncture.

In response to the outcry, manager Omar López addressed the situation, attempting to clarify his rationale for the decision. He emphasized strategic considerations rather than solely focusing on Suárez's impressive statistics. The incident has led to a broader discussion about game management and the nuances of decision-making within high-pressure situations, leaving Venezuelan fans eager for insights into the team's future approach in upcoming matches.